Jakarta – Former members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) denied on Friday any involvement in corrupt practices in local administrations and challenged anti-graft groups to come forward with evidence of their involvement.

"Please give us proof about our involvement in corrupt practices," said former GAM member Suadi Sulaiman, now a member of the Pidie local council.

On Thursday, the Anti-Corruption Solidarity Coalition (GaSak) accused GAM's former members, many of whom are now local government's officials, of being involved in corrupt practices, including the misuse of local budgets to benefit their comrades-in-arms.

Suadi said that the statement could be slanderous if GaSak failed to present hard evidence. He also said that it was impossible to find such evidence simply because none of GAM's former members ever engaged in illicit practices while in power. "We strive to maintain our integrity," Suadi told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

He suspected GaSak timed the release of its report with the build-up to the 2012 gubernatorial election. "They should have been objective when they talk about Aceh. Or just shut up if they know nothing about Aceh," said Suadi.

Former GAM military advisor Teungku Jamaica also suspected that the anti-graft coalition might be on to something, and called on them to present evidence of their claims.

"Tell us how many ex-GAM members are corrupt and give us their names. But until they can produce evidence to prove our involvement in corrupt practices, they should not make any accusations," said Jamaica.

He also called on the NGO to give credit to what former GAM members had done. "Acehnese have enjoyed better access to education, health and other social services since GAM successfully took over the province from the central government," he said.

GaSak coordinator Mukhlis Munir rejected Jamaica's claim and said that former GAM members had contributed little to the progress in Aceh.

"GAM members used to only fight for freedom. Now, some of them have forgotten about the people's welfare and seek benefit for themselves. Now they lead a lavish lifestyle," he said, accusing Aceh governor, mayors and members of local councils of receiving kickbacks from government contracts.

He said that now there were at least three officials, all former GAM members, being investigated on corruption charges: Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf, North Aceh Regent Ilyas A. Hamid and Biruen Regent Nurdin Abdul Rahman. (msa)